On a Murakami Binge

February was such an eventful month for this year, having to take my comprehensive exams for 3 Saturdays and at the same time, meet the requirements for an application of my life. This meant me submitting and completing the required documents and do my best in the interview. After all the studying, reviewing, and working, I finally found time to read and do a reading challenge before I finally start the dream soon.

Since last month, I have read a total of 7 books, 5 of which are from Haruki Murakami. I already read Kafka on the Shore and Norwegian Wood before so I truly wanted more from this author. And true enough, he never disappointed me. I can only say I have become a die-hard fan and a promoter of his books. So far, I have read the following in less than a month:

1. Sputnik Sweetheart
2. The Strange Library (this was the shortest and the simplest among all of his books that I have read)
3. Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki (my favorite together with Kafka on the Shore and Norwegian Wood)
4. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (my least favorite of all, contrary to popular belief)
5. South of the Border, West of the Sun

There is something in the way that Murakami writes and creates his stories that makes me yearn for more. I love that despite the seeming loneliness and despair I feel in his books, I can still find myself relating and viewing all his protagonists as someone in search for hope. The magic realism of Murakami might seem confusing at times, but the overall feeling evoked by his books make me long for more feelings to be felt.

There is solace in his books, a profound peace that I truly am grateful for. I missed reading so much that I am glad to have revived a part of me and had this binge for the past few weeks.

Next read: probably After Dark or Hard-Boiled Wonderland and End of the World